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Our Level 2 in Public Services will give you the knowledge and understanding of the public services sector and inspire you to consider a career in this dynamic industry.

This is a comprehensive and challenging programme of study related to Public Services that is particularly suited to post-16 learners who have the relevant interest and aptitude to progress.

  • What will I study?

    A choice from the following to include mandatory and optional units::

    Unit 1: The Role and Work of the Public Services
    Unit 2: Working Skills in the Public Service Sector
    Unit 3: Employment in the Public Services Unit 4: Public Services and Community Protection
    Unit 5: Health, Fitness and Lifestyle for the Public Services
    Unit 6: Citizenship, Society and the Public Services
    Unit 7: Crime and its Effects on Society and Individuals
    Unit 8: Promotion of Public Service Provision
    Unit 9: Community and Cultural Awareness Unit 10: Adventurous Activities in the Public Services
    Unit 11: Sport and Recreation in the Public Services
    Unit 12: Land Navigation by Map and Compass Unit 13: Volunteering for the Public Services
    Unit 14: Multi-day Expedition Experience
    Unit 15: Health and Safety in the Public Services Workplace Unit 16: Employability Skills in the Public Services
    Unit 17: Preparing to Respond to Emergency Incidents
    Unit 18: Security Procedures in the Public Services Unit 19: Carrying Out a Project in Public Services
    Unit 20: Law and Its Impact on the Individual

  • Who is this course for?

    This course is course is ideal for you if you have an interest in this industry and wish to gain a Level 2 qualification

    The aims of all qualifications in the BTEC First suite in Public Services are to:

    • Iinspire and enthuse learners to consider a career in the Public Services sector
    • Give learners the opportunity to gain broad knowledge and understanding of, and develop skills in, the Public Services sector
    • Support progression to specialised Level 3 qualifications in Public Services, or to an Apprenticeship
    • Give learners the potential opportunity, in due course, to enter employment in a wide range of job roles.

    Specific aims of the BTEC First Certificate in Public Services are to:

    -Add breadth to learners? knowledge and understanding of the Public Services sector as part of their career progression and development plans

    • Support learners who have had some achievement in their Key Stage 4 programme and who wish to ?top up? their Level 2 achievement to progress to employment or other qualifications.

    The specific aims of the BTEC First Extended Certificate in Public Services are to:

    • Build on learner achievement and interest developed through related Level 1 or Level 2 qualifications in Public Services, including the Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award and Certificate in Public Services
    • Allow learners to specialise or to deepen their understanding through the provision of a broad range of optional specialist units
    • Provide a comprehensive and challenging programme of study related to Public Services that is particularly suited to post-16 learners who have the relevant interest and aptitude to progress in the sector
    • Give learners the potential opportunity to progress to employment or to employment in a wide range of job roles across the Public Services sector, for example posts in the civil service, health service, armed services and the emergency services.

    The specific aims of the BTEC First Diploma in Public Services are to:

    • Allow learners to further specialise by including additional optional specialist units
    • Give learners opportunities to develop transferable skills related to study and vocational application that provide a platform for success both within Public Services and elsewhere.
  • How is the course assessed?

    The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma in Public Services include two externally-assessed units. This will help learners as they progress either into higher levels of vocational learning or to related academic qualifications. The remaining units are internally assessed. Internal assessment allows learners to develop a wider range of skills and provides evidence towards meeting the unit assessment criteria. Evidence for assessment can be generated through a range of activities, including role play, practical performance and verbal presentations. Delivery strategies should reflect the nature of work in the Public Services sector by encouraging learners to research and carry out assessment in the workplace, or in simulated working conditions, wherever possible. It will be beneficial to learners to use local examples, wherever possible, and for your centre to engage with local employers for support and input. This allows a more realistic and motivating basis for learning and can start to ensure that learning serves the needs of local areas. Learners should be encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and achievement, taking account of the industry standards for behaviour and performance.

  • Your Study Programme

    If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can. All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses). Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career. Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.

  • Knowledge

    You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:

    • Risks within the community and the control methods that can be used to mitigate these

    • How to prepare and maintain operational equipment and resources
    • Duty within legislation.
  • Skills

    You will have the ability to:

    • Carry out safe working practices in accordance with legal requirements

    • Work safely and effectively in emergency situations, operating within an appropriate command and control system

    • Use and maintain specialist equipment.
  • Behaviours

    What is required?

    • Commitment to integrity and diversity, understanding and adopting a fair and ethical approach and treating others with courtesy and respect

    • Confidence and resilience in highly challenging and changing situations, demonstrating reliability, adaptability, responsibility and accountability

    • Work collaboratively with others, both internally and externally.
  • General info

    You will need to purchase a uniform and kit as there will be the opportunity to engage in vocationally related trips and visits for which there are additional fees.

    Uniform and Kit list Boots, combat trousers, polo shirt, hoodie and utility belt from Gilt Edged suppliers, Northampton. Associated kit lists will also be sent at the start of the course.

    Trips: There are trips including a residential as part of your course, details and costing will be notified prior to the start of the course. We ask you to be prepared to pay these fees at enrolment.

    You must wear non marking sole shoes for activities in the Sports Hall.

  • Progression and Career Opportunities

    Some students have successfully joined the Armed Forces. However, most positions within the public services require higher levels of entry qualification, so you should consider progressing to the BTEC Level 3 Uniformed protective Services Extended Diploma.

  • Entry Requirements for new students

    Four GCSEs at Grade 3 or above or the completion of Foundation studies including English and maths GCSEs at grade 3.

  • Admissions Process

    We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
    Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.